Today in Disney history is not a celebration of an attraction or show, but rather an individual who has been an amazing influence on the Disney community.

Demi Lovato, born on this day, August 20th in 1992 in New Mexico was born with show business in her blood! Her mother, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader enrolled her in music, dance, and art classes as early as four and by age ten Demi was skilled in both piano and guitar.

Long before Camp Rock and As the Bell Rings, Lovato’s debut role was as Angela on Barney and friends at just seven years old. From Disney to Barney and her successful career as a solo artist, let’s celebrate this newly 28-year-old in style!

Two For One

One of Demi’s two big breaks was Camp Rock. Photo via The Disney Channel

Imagine being just 15 years old and auditioning for a few dream jobs on the same day and receiving the lead role for both—that is exactly what happened for Demi Lovato in the summer of 2007.

From 2007-2008 Lovato was enjoying her role as Charlotte Adams in the short-lived series As the Bell Rings when she auditioned for not one but two additional roles on the Disney Channel.

She was offered the part of aspiring singer Mitchie Torres in the Disney film Camp Rock as well as her lead role as Sonny in the two-season series Sonny with a Chance. 

This is the beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato star together on Sonny With a Chance. Screeshot via Disney Plus

There are some beautiful Disney friendships from Josh Gad and Kristen Bell to Mickey and Minnie but among these budding buddies is a gal pal duo that only Britney and Christina circa 1997 can rival—Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez of course!

Long before they worked together on Sonny with a Chance, Lovato and Gomez were adorable tots together on their debut on Barney and Friends (which is apparently parallel to the Mickey Mouse Club)!

But growing up in the spotlight does not come without its challenges and over the years the two friends have been reported as ‘not currently friends’. Insert sobbing face emoji. Regardless of their alleged falling out, the two have nothing but kind words for each other and have simply grown apart over the years. 

Voice of an Angel

If you want to see the growth of an artist over the years, just take a gander at Demi’s dazzling album list. In 2008, Lovato released her first album Don’t Forget which went all the way to the top (#2 to be exact!) of the Billboard charts and landed her the coveted gig of touring with the Jonas Brothers on their Burnin’ it Up tour as the opening act.

Talk about living the dream. But our powerhouse of a Disney queen didn’t stop there. She released four more studio albums between 2009 and 2017, including her self titled album. 

It’s Not All Rainbows and Butterflies

It’s no secret that bullying and the pressure to change yourself are at every turn, especially in the entertainment industry. But what is hard to grasp is the intentional cruelty of peers toward someone who has only been perceived as kind.

On top of being bullied in middle and high school, and possibly as a result, Lovato struggled with body image and disordered eating.

While this is heartbreaking, and we hate that she ever had to feel less than, there is no doubt that Demi is back on top and conquering the world with newfound self-love (her “I Love Me” song released this year was all about self-love) and even a new engagement! Go Demi!

Happy Birthday, Demi Lovato!

Watching talented young Disney girls grow up in the spotlight is truly something to behold – for me it was Britney, Justin, and Christina who got their start as Mouseketeers on the Mickey Mouse Club and have all gone on to continue to entertain, influence and amaze us in our everyday lives.

For all of you who grew up in the 2010s, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and our girl Demi Lovato are who you came rushing home from school for.

It’s important to remember that growing up under such a scrutinizing lens can take its toll on those in the industry, specifically young women.

Regardless of her struggles in school with her body image and simply the everyday struggles of growing up, we are so glad that Demi found her power and reclaimed her self worth!